Gloria Hernandez Benavides

Gloria Hernandez Benavides went home to the Lord on September 2, 2025. She was born on March 16, 1933, in Laredo, Texas, to Antonio and Guadalupe R. Hernandez.
A devoted lifelong learner and educator, Gloria earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education from Texas Woman's University and went on to receive a Master of Education in Spanish Literature from Southern Methodist University.
A proud and active member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators, Gloria dedicated over 30 years to teaching Spanish at Mesquite and North Mesquite High Schools, where she inspired generations of students with her passion for language and culture.
On Easter Sunday, April 1, 1956, Gloria married the love of her life, Jesus "Jerry" M. Benavides at the Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Laredo, Tx. Together, they shared a life filled with deep faith, love, and commitment - not only to each other but to their growing family and community. Gloria and Jerry's later years were marked by adventure and discovery as they traveled the world together, creating cherished memories in Spain, England, France, Greece, Germany, Japan, and China. They also shared a passion for genealogy and were founding members of H.O.G.A.R., a genealogy association in Dallas. Gloria, preceded in death by her beloved husband, Jerry M. Benavides, their two children Daniel R. Benavides and Cynthia D. Benavides, and her siblings Olga Garza, Antonio Hernandez Jr., and Emilio Hernandez, carried on with grace, resilience, and a deep appreciation of love and the joys of family in life. She will be remembered fondly by her surviving children, Araceli and Randall Adams, and David and Teresa Benavides, her grandchildren, Kathryn and Matthew Gordon (great-grandchildren Wyatt, Colton, Wesson, and Olive Gordon), Josh and Jordan Adams-Hanson, Marissa, Gabriela, John, and Jacob Benavides, her sisters Alicia Gonzalez, and Ofelia Juarez and her brother Fidel Hernandez.
She will be remembered for her strength, her unwavering dedication to family and education, and her warm, generous spirit. Gloria's life was a testament to the power of love, learning, and perseverance.
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